World's First Nuclear-Solar Hybrid Project: CNNC Tianwan 2 GW Tidal Flat PV Plant Achieves First Grid Connection
July 20-24, the world's first 'nuclear-thermal-solar-storage' multi-energy complementary demonstration project - CNNC's 2 GW Tianwan tidal flat solar project (Section V) achieved its first grid connection. Located in the thermal discharge area of the Tianwan nuclear power plant in Lianyungang, it is China's largest fixed-tilt offshore tidal flat PV project, employing an innovative three-dimensional sea-use rights model.
Junda Energy Begins Construction of 500 MW/2,000 MWh Storage Project in Xinjiang Shihezi
On July 22, Junda Energy broke ground on a 500 MW/2,000 MWh electrochemical energy storage project in Shihezi, Xinjiang, with a total investment of RMB 2.1 billion. The project advanced from contract signing to groundbreaking in just 7 months. Upon completion, it will significantly enhance regional renewable energy absorption capacity and grid peak-shaving capability.
100 MW/200 MWh Grid-Side Battery Storage Station Breaks Ground in Nanjing, Jiangsu
On July 21, the 100 MW/200 MWh Jiangsu Nanjing Lishui BESS project broke ground with an investment of RMB 250 million. The grid-side electrochemical storage station is scheduled for grid connection by end-December 2026. It will alleviate regional power supply pressure, boost renewable energy absorption, and enhance grid resilience during summer peak demand.
Hunan Shuangpai Tianzishan 1,400 MW Pumped Storage Plant Completes No. 2 Tunnel Breakthrough
On July 23, the 2,981-meter No. 2 access tunnel at the Hunan Shuangpai Tianzishan pumped storage plant (1,400 MW, 4x350 MW) was completed more than one month ahead of schedule. The RMB 8.974 billion project is a national 14th Five-Year Plan priority project. With annual generation of 1.521 billion kWh, it will serve as a key 'super power bank' for the Hunan grid.
Datang Starts Construction of 80 MW Fishery-Solar Hybrid Project in Fujian
On July 24, Datang broke ground on the 80 MW Xiwei centralized solar project in Fu'an, Fujian, spanning 1,180 mu with 8 MW/16 MWh of co-located storage. Using an agrivoltaic model above aquaculture ponds, the project will generate 123 GWh annually, supporting carbon reduction while enabling dual use of water surfaces.
Spain Awards Euro 165 Million for 2 GW of Pumped Storage Projects
On July 20, Spain allocated EUR 165 million to seven reversible pumped hydro storage projects under the second BORALMAC call, adding 2,071 MW of generation capacity and 21.091 GWh of storage across six regions. The budget was increased from the original EUR 90 million due to overwhelming demand. The funding supports renewable integration, grid resilience, and demographic transition regions.
Spain and Portugal Advance 3.5 GW of New Pumped Hydro Capacity
On July 23, Spain awarded 7 pumped hydro projects totaling ~2.1 GW/21 GWh, while Portugal set a target of 1.4 GW of new pumped hydro capacity by 2040. The Iberian Peninsula is emerging as a European pumped hydro hotspot, with both countries investing heavily in long-duration storage to address grid flexibility needs from high renewable penetration.
Zambia Commissions 200 MW Chisamba Solar Plant Phase II as Drought Cripples Hydro
On July 21-23, the 200 MW Chisamba solar plant Phase II, built by a Chinese company in Zambia's Central Province, was officially inaugurated. President Hakainde Hichilema attended the ceremony, noting the project will stabilize industrial and mining power supply and reduce dependence on hydropower. Zambia had suffered severe load-shedding due to drought affecting hydro generation.
Bangladesh BPDB Tenders 590 MW of Solar IPP Projects Across 12 Sites
On July 22, Bangladesh's Power Development Board invited tenders for 12 IPP solar projects totaling 590 MW across Cox's Bazar (170 MW), Tangail (100 MW), and other locations, targeting commercial operations by January 2029. The average winning tariff of 7.80 US cents/kWh is 2.5 cents lower than previous rates. Bangladesh targets 20% renewable energy by 2030.
Bangladesh Approves Solar-Plus-Storage Project for Remote Island Bhasanchar
On July 22, Bangladesh's Cabinet Committee approved a solar power plant with battery backup and distribution system for Bhasanchar in Noakhali's Hatiya island, awarded to Suhua Construction Group and Power System Development JV at a cost of Taka 17.418 billion. The project aims to ensure reliable electricity supply for the remote island community.
SECI Invites Bids for 70 MW Solar Plus 50 MWh BESS BoS Package in Andhra Pradesh
By July 24 deadline, India's SECI tendered the Balance of System package for a 70 MW ISTS-connected solar project with 25 MW/50 MWh BESS at Ramagiri, Andhra Pradesh. The scope covers design, procurement, civil works, commissioning, and 5-year O&M. The project is part of SECI's Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) program.
Germany Awards 208.6 MW in Rooftop Solar Tender at Average Euro 0.0972/kWh
In July, Germany's Federal Network Agency announced results of the June 1 rooftop solar tender, receiving 125 bids (238 MW) and awarding 108 projects totaling 208.6 MW. Awarded prices ranged from EUR 0.084-0.10/kWh with a weighted average of EUR 0.0972/kWh. North Rhine-Westphalia won the most capacity (49 MW/21 projects). The next tender is scheduled for October 1.
French C&I Rooftop Solar Tender Awards 300 MW at Record Low Price
In July, France's 12th C&I rooftop solar tender awarded 300.23 MW, receiving nearly 1,200 applications (1.6 GW) with a subscription rate exceeding 5x. The weighted average price dropped to EUR 82.98/MWh, a record low and down from EUR 96.48/MWh in the previous round. This is the first tender since France released its PPE3 energy roadmap targeting 48 GW of solar by 2030.
Uniper Completes 17 MWp Solar Plant on Former Coal Plant Ash Landfill in Wilhelmshaven
In July, Uniper commissioned a 17 MWp solar plant on the ash landfill of a former coal-fired power plant in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The project features approximately 28,500 bifacial modules on 14 hectares, generating 17,500 MWh annually - enough to supply about 4,500 households. The project exemplifies brownfield-to-green repurposing of retired coal power infrastructure.